Atlas of the Third Millennium Arrives in Marcus Garvey Park

With the temperature dipping to the mid-thirties, Atlas of the Third Millennium, along with its creator, the artist, Jorge Luis Rodriguez, arrived for the installation in Marcus Garvey Park this past November.

The Atlas: with Artist, Jorge Luis Rodriguez in the background

Atlas of the Third Millennium by renowned sculpture artist, Jorge Luis Rodriguez, was installed in Marcus Garvey Park on November 10th, surrounded by a host of onlookers and the President of Marcus Garvey Park Alliance/Public Art Initiative, Connie Lee. The artist described his installation as symbolizing the “magnificent multiplicity of Harlem and East Harlem, the cross-section through time of stellar individuals who have called Harlem and East Harlem their home, and those who continue to live, work and contribute to its cultural vibrancy.” The 14-foot tall welded and galvanized steel sculpture, in the form of a ‘universe’ of stars, represents and pays homage to actors, writers, musicians, artists, educators, activists, entrepreneurs and leaders — an entire community, inspiring each other as they face present-day challenges.”

Atlas installation in Marcus Garvey Park, along the Madison Avenue side, near 123rd Street in East Harlem

The Artist, Jorge Luis Rodriguez, above and below, directing the installation, which is located on the oval lawn on the Madison Avenue side of Marcus Garvey Park, at 123rd Street.

The sculpture was constructed entirely out of steel, with six five-foot modules composed of 312 stars that were combined to form a huge orb. The orb is placed on the back and extended arms of a crouched human figure, and sits atop a 7-foot tall column, on a star based plate that spans 5-feet in diameter.